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Excess Weight Carries Big Risks for Dogs

Dog owners don’t always recognise that their dog is out of shape. Maybe that’s why nearly half of pets in Europe are overweight!

However, an overweight dog can have serious health concerns. Even a few extra pounds can put him at risk for a number of health problems, including:

Pancreatitis

Shortened life expectancy

Skin diseases

Diabetes

Arthritis and reduced mobility

If you feel that your dog is severely overweight or obese be sure to see your vet so that you can work together on a safe solution for your pet.

Is your dog overweight?

Body condition score, or BCS, is a tool used to evaluate body fat level and determine proper body condition in animals. A vet can give you an expert assessment of your dog’s BCS to tell if your dog is at an ideal weight or if he needs a little help. You can try it out for yourself with our handy BCS tool.

Healthy weight has its benefits

Research shows a clear connection between a dog’s weight and quality of life. Dogs who are able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight live longer, happier lives than chronically overweight or obese dogs:

They are better able to run, jump, play and engage in family activities

Dogs at a healthy-weight avoid being at high risk for a variety of weight-related diseases

Dogs at their ideal weight are better able to investigate their surroundings and react to stimuli, which helps dogs to feel relaxed and comfortable

They are physically more comfortable and can easily reach an itch, move to a cooler location, etc.

Some breeds are prone to breathing or cardiac issues, but that can be less of a factor in dogs at a healthy-weight

Play your way to a healthy weight

Here are some ideas on games to help your dog get some exercise in a way that’s fun for the both of you.

Fetch and chase

Keep your breed in mind when you get started – have you got a heeler or a hound? Playing games like fetch can keep a retriever entertained for hours, while herding breeds will enjoy chasing balls or organising toys. Hounds will love sniffing a scent trail – can he find you or a family member?

Hide and seek

Hide and seek is a great game to play with your dog, though it may take him a few tries to catch on. “Hide” in another room and call him, then reward him by making a fuss over him or giving him one low-fat kibble when he finds you. It may take him a few tries to catch on, but when he’s ready you can make it harder by getting more creative with your hiding places. Just be sure he doesn’t get discouraged.

Round robin

This is a great group game as well as a way to reinforce his training to come when called. When he’s ready, raise the bar by having several people play, each calling the dog from different areas in turn to really keep your dog on his toes.

Create an obstacle or agility course

This is easily done even indoors. Get creative and use safe household objects like rolled up blankets or cardboard boxes to create hurdles and mazes to run through. Be sure the area is safe, and adjust the course to your dog’s abilities and size. As he loses weight, he may be able to progress to mightier feats.

Take a hike

While this may not be a game, per se, most dogs enjoy a nice long walk. If your dog is very overweight he’ll need to lose a bit before embarking on a grand adventure. Taking a daily survey of “his territory” (your neighbourhood, or somewhere you like to walk regularly) is an important routine. All dogs can benefit from a mix of routine walks with predictable routes and setting sights on new horizons.

Balanced nutrition can be life-changing

Your dog's day-to-day activities and his mood can be negatively impacted if he’s overweight. Food that provides a balanced nutrition can help him get to a healthy weight while still keeping him full and satisfied. Hill’s™ Science Plan™ Perfect Weight foods contain high quality ingredients that are carefully combined to bring out the delicious chicken flavor that dogs love most. Find Hill’s™ Science Plan Perfect Weight foods online, at your vet clinic or at a pet store near you.

<ul><li>Weight loss without deprivation – 96% of dogs lost weight in 2 months at home; 90% of dogs completed the weight loss programme.</li><li>Reduced need to measure portions precisely.</li><li>Clinically proven to avoid weight regain following a weight loss programme.</li><li>Reward your dog with delicious treats – a complementary food to support weight loss and maintenance in adult dogs.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Please consult your vet for further information and guidance on what is best for your dog.</strong></p>

<ul><li><strong> </strong>Weight loss without deprivation – 96% of dogs lost weight in 2 months at home, 90% of dogs completed the weight loss programme </li><li>Reduced need to measure portions precisely</li><li>Clinically proven to avoid weight regain following a weight loss programme</li></ul><p><strong>Please consult your vet for further information and guidance on what is best for your dog.</strong> </p>